Dumenko to Community of Democracies: UOC is creating "persecution image"
Epifaniy Dumenko and Mantas Adomenas. Photo: OCU
On July 3, 2025, during a meeting with the Secretary General of the Community of Democracies, Mantas Adomenas, Epifaniy Dumenko assured that in Ukraine, despite the war, real freedom of religion is ensured. According to the official website of the OCU, their leader stated that it is the UOC that creates a "distorted picture of persecution" in the world.
According to Dumenko, his words are confirmed by the position of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations.
"At the same time, the Moscow Patriarchate in Ukraine is trying to create a distorted picture of alleged 'persecutions' in the world due to the unwillingness to truly sever ties with the church structure of the aggressor country," he continued.
The press service informs that the parties agreed that it is very important to counteract disinformation and the politicization of history as threats to the development of free societies.
"The true role of the Church in the spiritual and moral support of the people during the war was also emphasized, and freedom of religion was designated as an integral component of democracy," the statement says.
The Community of Democracies, in turn, positions itself as an intergovernmental platform engaged in the protection of fundamental freedoms, including freedom of conscience and religion.
As reported, the seizure in Chernivtsi was overseen by Epifaniy's uncle.
Read also
TRC officers mobilize rector of UOC parish in Radisne
Archpriest Mykhailo Bilokin was detained on his way to a service in the Kamianske Eparchy, and his current whereabouts are unknown.
Metropolitan Onuphry consecrates Annunciation Church in Bukovyna village of Ostrytsia
Thousands of faithful from the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Eparchy of the UOC gathered for the service in the newly consecrated Church of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos.
U.S. delegation visits St. Sophia of Kyiv ahead of peace talks
Zelensky took the U.S. negotiators to St. Sophia of Kyiv.
Rescuers urge Hasidic pilgrims in Uman not to perform rituals in local quarry
The State Emergency Service warned Hasidic pilgrims in Uman about the dangers of ritual immersion in a flooded quarry that is not equipped for swimming.
UOC Social Department provides food packages to 100 displaced families
In Kyiv, 100 internally displaced families received food and essential supplies from the UOC Social Department.
Third Armenian judge refuses to hear case against Catholicos
A third judge has refused to hear the case against the head of the Armenian Church and six bishops, with the case materials sent to the Court of Cassation.